Meadow Hill

Happy birthday to Kitty Bernard

By Louise
Posted 8/7/20

When God created Kitty Lahey Bernard, He presented to the world a very special lady, and I truly rejoice that my sisters and I were blessed with her loving …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in
Meadow Hill

Happy birthday to Kitty Bernard

Posted

When God created Kitty Lahey Bernard, He presented to the world a very special lady, and I truly rejoice that my sisters and I were blessed with her loving friendship.  
We were little girls when my family moved into our new home, and the lovely Irish Catholic neighbors, the Lahey’s, warmly welcomed us into their lives.  My mom and Kitty’s mom immediately bonded, and even though the Italian Dellamarco family were parishioners of Sacred Heart Church, and the Laheys were parishioners of St. Mary’s, our families were always in harmony, with the moms attending weekly Novenas and Masses, and special Retreats given by the fire and brimstone Missionaries.
Sometimes, I wonder if the friendship blossomed because of my father’s great big Italian garden that he graciously shared with all.  And how the Laheys loved my mom’s homemade tomato sauce and pasta dinners, and all the seasonal bounty.  But we, too, had treats galore.  No one made delicious from scratch, Lemon Merengue Pie or Chocolate Chip Cookies, and a special treat, Irish Soda Bread, like Kitty and her mom.  It was a match made in Heaven.
 We girls, on the other hand, couldn’t wait for Kitty, to come home from work and lather us with attention.  She was pretty and sweet and kind, and we adored her like a little princess, and she was, with her petite and delicate little self, almost like a Dresden doll.  Oh, we envied her hair, her beautiful reddish-blonde hair and the purest, brightest eyes the color of the ocean blue, and they always seemed to be dancing.  By now, you surely realize, we little girls had dark brown hair and great big brown eyes!  Has anyone ever been satisfied with themselves, even the youngest?  Kitty was femininity and grace and wore pretty clothes, and she was lots of fun, and we all were a bunch of giggles sharing secrets only for her ears.  We even learned about makeup that had to be kept a secret.  Lord forbid, we might learn something risqué!
Came the day, Kitty introduced us to her handsome fiancé, Arthur, so happy and glowing, we thought she would forget us.  Not at all, she always smilingly made time for her little friends.  But this time, we were sharing in her love secrets and dreams listening to a fairy tale come true.  With her loving spirit and pure heart Kitty invited us to share in her joy, the glorious day of her wedding, and she was a Cinderella Princess carried away by her Prince Charming.

Dear Kitty, when you celebrate your birthday on August 8, remember when God made you, He blessed the world with a very dear person.  You have always been there in the sweetest of my memories, and for that I am ever grateful.  May your birthday candles glow as brightly as the love of God that shines in your pure heart.  With my love, Louise

Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club will have a moderate six-miles hike, Saturday, Aug. 8, at East Mountain via Round Hill Bypass, in a less traveled section of Fahnestock, parking and hiking away from the crowds, with a mellow pace, about 1,000 feet elevation gain.
After initial climb, enjoy a relatively new and pretty trail under the canopy. Refresh your hot feet at scenic waterfall.  Steady but moderate climb of East Mountain, with some nice views at the top.  Pass old homesteads, an abandoned school house, and stone property walls.  Route may vary on return, based on group interests and temperature.  You must bring a face mask, hand sanitizer, personal first-aid kit, and pen.  Social distancing will be practiced on the trails.  Bring at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks.  Due to MHADK COVID-19 Guidelines, there will be no sharing of any snacks or equipment, or car pooling.
Pre-register with leader: Barry Skura, barry.skura@gmail.com, or (646) 734-1908.  The leader will give you the time, meeting place, and any last minute details.

May you always have an angel at your side.